Astrofarm!

We are still here! Rural Retreat started life 10 years ago, as the purpose built, residential astronomy centre ‘Astrofarm’. And we havent gone away, we’ve just expanded.

We still have the velvet black skies, incredible unbroken South views & a micro climate giving above average cloudless nights. Astrofarm is the perfect place to experience a unique astrophotography experience.

We are open for astronomy retreats around the new moon periods, throughout the year. We are very happy to take bookings for group visits by astronomy clubs. Email sue@ruralretreatfrance.com to discuss your visit.

Astrofarm @ Rural Retreat

Our Astronomy Centre, fondly known as ‘Astrofarm’, is the perfect place for an astronomy retreat. With great weather, huge, velvet dark skies & stunning South & West views, Astrofarm specialises in astronomy breaks for the astronomer & astro-photographer.

Our Astronomy Centre includes a warm room with tea & coffee making facilities, wifi, plentiful outdoor power points, observing area, tripods, telescopes, piers and equipment. Our viewing area & observing platforms provide the perfect location for viewing & photographing the night sky.

Astronomy retreats

Astronomy retreats at Astrofarm, have been carefully designed to offer flexibility for guests. Astronomers who are up throughout the night, are offered hospitality to fit with their nocturnal schedule.

We provide hot drinks 24/7, breakfast is served until midday & evening meals are planned around a night of observing. A minimum guest age of 18 guarantees peace & quiet with the chance to sleep until lunchtime, after a full night observing.

Accommodation at Astrofarm

We have designed the accommodation at Astrofarm to meet the needs of astronomers. For those up all night, the Dortoir is a comfortable, quiet & dark room for sleeping during the day. With heating during the winter & solid stone walls, its cosy on cold nights & cool in the summer.

The spacious shower rooms have plentiful hot water, bath sheets, dressing gowns & toiletries for our guests. Our outside kitchen, barbecue area & patios with plentiful seating, offer astronomers the choice of self catering or catered stays (or a mix of both).